Law enforcement agencies in the US have increased security measures to guarantee the safety of the Jewish and Muslim communities ahead of pro-Palestinian protests expected to take place today.

Police in the two most populous US cities — New York and Los Angeles — indicated they would increase patrols, particularly around synagogues and Jewish cultural centers, although authorities insisted they had not been informed of any specific or credible threat.

“There is no reason to be afraid. No one should feel like they have to change their daily lives,” said New York Governor Kathy Hokal during a press conference yesterday, Thursday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he has asked the city’s police “to send additional resources to schools and places of worship to ensure they are safe and that our city remains a peaceful place.”

Additional patrols in both Jewish and Muslim quarters

Adams explained that police are doing extra patrols in both Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods.

New York City officials said they are preparing for at least one large demonstration to be held in Times Square today.

“We will not tolerate any act of hate, any act of disorder, they will be suppressed quickly and we will be ready,” New York Police Chief of Patrol John Chell said.

Hokal noted that the New York National Guard has already been ordered to patrol transportation hubs.

In the meantime, the Los Angeles Police Department has issued a statement saying that its members will increase their presence in Jewish and Muslim neighborhoods.

And federal agencies are on high alert.

“The FBI has been informed (…) of the calls for comprehensive action on Friday, October 13, which may lead to protests in various communities across the US,” the agency noted in a statement. “The FBI encourages members of the public to exercise caution.”

At least one Arab-American community rights group has denounced the police’s more hostile attitude toward Muslims than Jews. The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee announced yesterday, Thursday, that members of the FBI visited mosques in various US states, as well as individual citizens with Palestinian roots, speaking of a “disturbing trend.”